Rolex Submariner 16800

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The reference 16800 is the model that stood between the reference 1680 and 16610, and is therefore known as the transitional Submariner. This reference was introduced in '78/'79 and already discontinued a decade later. It's considered as the Submariner that combines best of both worlds: the vintage matte dial with painted tritium indices and the modern sapphire crystal and updated caliber.Together with the 16808 this was the first Submariner with sapphire crystal instead of plexi crystal. The 40 mm measuring case, and the bezel and lugs are sharp, and the stainless steel Oyster bracelet has no stretch. The watch has some minor scratches here and there but this definitely adds character. It has the wearability and sturdiness of the modern Submariners paired with the character and aesthetics of a vintage one. This Submariner dates back to 1981 and is powered by the caliber 3035. It has a beautifully aged tritium index with matching hands, which are both in an eggshell/creamy colour. What we truly love about this example, is the inlay of the bezel, which was once black and has faded to blue. 

Introduction

Rolex SubmarinerVisionary Hans Wildorf set out to make the world’s first waterproof and dust proof wristwatch and so, in 1926 the ‘Oyster case’ was created. Then, later on in 1953, the Rolex Submariner was born, with a water depth rating of 330ft/100M making it one of the world’s first wristwatches designed for the upcoming sport of scuba diving. The wristwatch was created for divers who needed a precise watch which could scale to such depths and be a reliable and accurate way of measuring (with the turning bezel) the time spent underwater. A major aspect of creating such a time piece was to make it easily legible yet aesthetically pleasing, hence the large contrasting white tritium hour markers and Mercedes hand on the black dial. The rugged look was adopted by no other than Mr Bond himself (Sean Connory as Bond wore it in 1962’s ‘Dr. No’ and the watch was also featured in the later ‘Goldfinger’ and ‘Thunderball’ movie). A legend was born and overtime it proved to be arguably one of the best, most desirable and iconic luxury watch of all time. 

Specifications

Shipping

Packages are generally dispatched within 2 days after receipt of payment and are shipped within the Netherlands by Registered Mail through the Dutch carrier PostNL and for other countries by Fedex. Consult us if you prefer another method of shipping. For most destinations tracking is available.